Yesterday, I went to a nearby church camp to spend a quiet day with God. I’ve done quiet days in the past in a room at the church, at a convent, at a retreat center, and like yesterday, at a church camp.
When my kids were young, I did quiet days when I traded “days off” with a girlfriend. They were few and far between, but I tried to make them happen as often as I could.
I know one mom who works full-time and she uses a couple of personal days a year to do a quiet day. She says that the peace she feels after a quiet day with God is worth the use of her personal day.
While I try to have a daily quiet time where I read my Bible and talk with the Lord, I’ve found quiet days to be essential for my soul. As I spend time with God my thoughts are clarified. My heart is calmed. My eyes are drawn to truth. My pace is slowed. My ears are tuned to God’s voice. I experience peace in my life and patience in my relationships.
What do I do during a quiet day? I read my Bible. Talk to God aloud. Write out my prayers. Sometimes I take a nap (after all the Bible does tell us to “rest in the Lord!). Sometimes I listen to music. Sometimes I take a walk. Most of the time I incorporate times to just sit and be with God.
Yesterday the cabin I was in had a fireplace so I built a fire and enjoyed the warmth. I also dug into the word “hope.” As I used my concordance, God led me to Hebrews 6:18-20 where He defines hope as “a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.” Wow! What a definition!
The Bible tells us, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). I have learned that there is a reason God tells us to do that. It’s exactly what the soul needs.
What about you? Have you ever done a quiet day? If so, how do you use the time? What benefits have you experienced?
If you’ve never done a quiet day, would you like to? What is holding you back?
